Roger W. Hartson

Roger William Hartson, 86, of Petoskey, died July 31, 2025, at The Villa at the Bay.

Roger was born on June 16, 1939, in Wolverine, Michigan, the youngest son of Harry and Henrietta (Smith) Hartson. He attended school in both Wolverine and Alanson.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves for six years, later continuing his service with the National Guard.

On September 15, 1961, he married Dora Wormell. They shared over 50 years of marriage until her death in 2017.

A true jack of all trades, Roger worked in road construction, small engine repair, and spent many years as a parts salesman. He especially enjoyed time in his wood and metal shop, where he spent countless hours tinkering. He had a passion for knife sharpening and worked closely with many Petoskey-area chefs.

Roger loved the outdoors and spent many happy hours hunting, fishing, and boating throughout his life.

He was also a gifted musician. In high school, he formed a swing and polka band with friends called The Bumblebees, where he played both drums and keyboard. Roger continued to share his love of music into adulthood, often performing at local retirement homes. The couple were also active members of the Whirl-Aways dance group and longtime members of Epsilon Community Church.

Though Roger had a gruff exterior and a bit of a grumpy streak, his family never doubted his deep caring for them.

Roger is survived by his two sons, William Roger (Janet) Hartson of Petoskey and Richard Vaughn (Carrie) Hartson of Phoenix, Arizona; seven grandchildren, Callie (Andrew) Cavalcant, Kayla Hartson, Sheila Hartson, Brenda (Bill) Sommerfeldt, Amanda (Martin) Vicente, Katie Hartson, and Nicholas Hartson; and 12 great-grandchildren.

His is preceded in death by his wife Dora; and seven siblings, Frank Hartson, Mildred Voorheis, Harry Hartson, Zella Daniels, Marion Ferar, Harrietta Trosin, and Dorothy Sherwood.

There will be a memorial service at Stone Funeral Home on August 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Pastor Dave Price will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to Epsilon Community Church Women’s Group in Roger’s memory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger W. Hartson, please visit our floral store.